1. n.1 a unit of weight equal to 16 oz. avoirdupois (0.4536 kg), or 12 oz. troy (0.3732 kg).
2 (in full pound sterling) (pl. same or pounds) the chief monetary unit of the UK and several other countries.
Phrases and idioms:
pound cake a rich cake containing a pound (or equal weights) of each chief ingredient. pound coin (or note) a coin or note worth one pound sterling. pound of flesh any legitimate but crippling demand. pound Scots hist. 1s. 8d. pound sign the sign {pound}, representing a pound.
Etymology: OE pund ult. f. L pondo Roman pound weight of 12 ounces 2. v.
1. tr. a crush or beat with repeated heavy blows. b thump or pummel, esp. with the fists. c grind to a powder or pulp.
2 intr. (foll. by at, on) deliver heavy blows or gunfire.
3 intr. (foll. by along etc.) make one's way heavily or clumsily.
4 intr. (of the heart) beat heavily.
Phrases and idioms:
pound out produce with or as if with heavy blows.
Derivatives:
pounder n.
Etymology: OE punian, rel. to Du. puin, LG p{uuml}n rubbish 3. n. & v.
--n.
1. an enclosure where stray animals or officially removed vehicles are kept until redeemed.
2 a place of confinement.
--v.tr. enclose (cattle etc.) in a pound.
Phrases and idioms:
pound lock a lock with two gates to confine water and often a side reservoir to maintain the water level.
Etymology: ME f. OE pund- in pundfald: see PINFOLD